Prefabricated metal window frame component



Sept. 13, 1955 E. R. RUTZKE 2,717,430

PREFABRICATED METAL wmnow FRAME COMPONENT Filed April 7, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Eklvssrk. Ru 7'ZKE BY /M lam ATTORNEYS Sept. 13, 1955 E. R. RUTZKE 2,717,430

PREFABRICATEID METAL WINDOW FRAME COMPONENT Filed April 7, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 .32 INVEN ER lvssrfi. Ru K6 A TWENEFS United States Patent O PREFABRICATED METAL WINDOW FRAME COIVIPONENT Ernest R. Rutzke, San Francisco, Calif. Application April 7, 1952, Serial No. 280,975

, 8 Claims. (Cl. 20-12) This invention relates to a new and improved prefabri- I cated metal window frame component, and more particularly this invention relates to a new and improved prefabricated metal sash guide and Weatherstripping com Weatherstripping and to prevent objectionable window vibration or rattle.

A modified or second embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawings and which will be described hereinafter in more detail, is substantially identical in construction and operation to .the first mentioned embodiment but is formed in two integral strips which are adapted to be slidably interlocked together. Briefly stated, the purpose of this latter arrangement is to pro vide frame components which may be separately positioned against each side jam of a completed or old window casing or frame installation without necessitating removal or wrecking of any substantial part thereof, and yet at the same time provide a device preserving all the advantages of the first-mentioned embodiment of the invention referred to briefly hereinabove.

A principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a prefabricated metal window frame component of the character mentioned briefly hereinabove which functions to: (1) provide sash channel guides for the top (outer) and bottom (inner) sashes; (2) provide complete and effective side jam Weatherstripping for the window frame; and (3) maintain the sashes under suflicient spring pressure to effectively prevent window vibration or rattle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a window frame component of the character above mentioned which may, in one embodiment, be formed from one integral length of spring-metal (particularly adapted for use in new window installations), and which, in another embodiment, is preferably made up of two separate interlocking pieces (particularly adapted for use in old or already completed window constructions).

A particular advantage of prefabricated metal frame components of the type herein discussed is that in new installations, for example, a comparatively inferior grade of lumber can be employed in constructing the side jams or supports of a window casingthis being possible and feasible in view of the fact that the prefabricated metal frame components are adapted to completely cover and conceal from view substantially all of the side wooden framework of the casing. In this respect the savings that 2,717,430 Patented Sept. 13, 1955 ice 2 can be effected by employing inferior grade lumber in constructing side jams of window casings is considerable.

, Another object of the present invention is to provide prefabricated metal sash window frame components which can be mass-produced, economically and in great quantity, in one rolling mill operation. 7

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent'uponreading the.following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which. similar characters .of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged end view of one embodiment of the invention. ,7 p g I Fig. 2.is an enlarged end view of a secondernbodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention installed within, a'window casing, portions of whichare shown ,fragmentarily.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, of the invention installed within a window casing,

portions of which are shown fragrnentarily.

Fig.5 is a vertical sectional view of a window frame installation showing the first embodiment of the invention installed therein; J g t I Fig. 6 'isla vertical sectional view of a window frame installationsh owing the" second embodiment of the invention installed therein,-

Theembodiment of the frame component disclosed in Figsf'l, 3, and'S in the drawings is shown as comprising an integral strip or length of relatively light-weight, thin gauge, spring metal, such as light-weight aluminum alloy, or the like, which has been formed to define an inner channel sash guide, indicated generally at 10, an outer channel sash guideway, indicated generally at 11, and a resilient parting strip assembly, indicated generally at 9.

Inner guideway 10 comprises a web portion 12 formed with slightly outwardly protruding stiffening corrugations.

15 and anoutwardly projectingmarginal flange 13. Outer channel'guideway 11 is identical in structure to guideway 10 and comprises a web portion 14 formed with corrugations 20 and'a marginal flange 16 which projects outwardly from said web.

It is noted, moreover, that with respect to a reference lineA-B connecting the base of flange 13 with the base of flange'16, each web 12 and 14 is inclined outwardly and toward the centrally located parting strip assembly at.

an acute angle with respect to said reference line and preferably at an angle of about 8.

The parting strip assembly, heretofore designated generally at 9, is formed integrally with webs 12 and 14 and comprises, more specifically, a pair of identically formed outwardly projecting spaced loops, indicated generally at 17' and 18, which are joined by an integral connecting web, indicated generally at 19. Loop 17 comprises, more. specifically, an outer leg 21 and a relatively shorter inner leg 22-said legs being connected together at their outer the inner legs 22 and 26 of loops17 and 18 respectively, is preferably formed with an inward bow or bend as may be accomplished by forming a lengthwise crease, in the material, as indicated at 28.

In installation two lengths or pieces of the frame component may be positioned vertically against opposite side jams, such as indicated at 60, of a window casing in such manner that the channel guideways of the components receive and guide opposite side edges of the inner or bottom window sash, and with the outer channel guideways 11 similarly slidably receiving and guiding opposite side edges of the outer or top sash. More specifically, in constructing new window installations it is a relatively simple matter to manually position and engage the channel guideways of the frame components over opposite side edges of the sashes before positioning the latter within the casing. The said sashes, with their engaged frame components, may then be positioned as a unit within the window casing proper. Preferably this is .done prior to installing the conventional wood lower sill and stool assembly, indicated generally at 31, so that the metal frame components may be swung or moved in vertical upright position within the casing without encountering interference from the upwardly projecting stool portion 32. The bottom ends of each .of the metal guide strips are preferably beveled corresponding ,to the angular incline of the sill plate 33 and are cut to length so that in a completed installation the top ,and bottom edges of the metal strips abut in flush engagement with the top header 34 and the sill plate 32, respectively, of the casing.

The metal frame components may be retained within the casing by means of conventional inside and outside window stops, such as indicated .at and 36, respective ly. Generally speaking, stops of the type designated at 35 and 36 are customarily incorporated in conventional window installations-each stop usually comprising a narrow length or strip .of wood extending the full height of the casing.

A window installation incorporating the metal frame components in accordance with the practices above outlined will not only provide vertical channel guideways for the inner and outer sashes, but said components will also function to provide complete and effective Weatherstripping along each side of the window casing.

In the preferred form of the invention each metal frame component is formed so that a width of the channel guideways 10 and 11 are slightly less than the thicknesses .of the sashes which said guideways are adapted to receive. More specifically, each frame component is preferably formed in such manner that the distance -between the outer edge of flange 13 and the outer extremities of leg 21 .of the parting strip assembly is slightly less than the thickness of the inner sash, indicated fragmentarily at 39, to be supported in guideway 10. Similarly,

the distance between the outer edge of marginal flange 16 and outer extremities of leg 24 of the parting strip assembly is preferably slightly less than the width of outer sash which guideway 11 is adapted to receive and support. The principal purpose of this preferred arrangement is so that said sashes are slidably maintained withinguideways 10 and 11 under spring compression. More specifically, loops 17 and 18, being formed of spring material, :may be sprung toward one another to eifect a parrowing of the overall Width of the parting strip assembly and corresponding enlargement of the channel guideways.

Thus, each guideway 10 and 11 may be enlarged sufiiciently to accommodate the sashes simply by manually forcing the loops toward one another.

The loops function, of course, to spring bias the sashes against an associated marginal flange 13 or 16 and .thereby slidably maintain said sashes under at least slight spring compression within .the guideways. Moreover, because webs 12 and 14 of each spring metal frame component are inclined .or bowed outwardly from the side jam of the casing, it is evident that said component is capable of flexing inwardly and outward y with respect to p the side jam of the casing. This, in turn, permits the sashes with their associated frame components to be positioned within .the window casing under spring tension.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 2, 4, and 6,

the embodiment of the invention therein illustrated is substantially identical in many respects to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 3, and 5, and hereinabove described in some specific detail. Therefore, the various elements comprising the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2, 4, and 6 are numbered similarly to corresponding elements comprising the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 5, but are suffixed by the letter a to distinguish them in the drawings.

The frame component disclosed in Figs. 2, 4, and 6 comprises two integrally formed sections of material which are adapted to be slidably interlocked to one another when installed within a window frame. More specifically, the connecting Web 19a instead of being formed in one integral piece as was the case with the connecting web 19 of the first described embodiment, comprises two complementary, mutually interlocking sections, indicated generally at 5.3 and 51, respectively. More specifically,

section comprises an extension piece 42 formed as an integral extension of leg 26a of loop 18a, the outer extremity of which terminates in a reversely bent, hook-like element 43 defining a narrow channel or recess 44. Section 51 of the parting strip assembly is shown as comprising an extension strip 45 formed integral with the base 22a ,of loop 17a and having its outer extremity terminating in a locking flange 4,6 which is adapted to be slidably received and retained within channel 44.

As heretofore suggested, this latter described embodiment .of the invention is particularly adapted for installation in an old or already completed 'window construction. in this connection particular reference is now made to Fig. 6 in the drawings which shows one of the frame components installed within a window casing. More specifically, it is noted that outer channel guideway is positioned within the casing so that its top edge abuts flush with :the top header 34a of the casing and with its bottom edge spaced a slight distance from sill plate 33a. The inner channel guideway 12a, on the other hand, is shown as being disposed against the side jam of the casing with its bottom edge abutting and in contact with sill plate 33 and with its top edge spaced a slight distance from header 34a. The reason for making the two guideways 10a and 11a shorter in length than the vertical distance between the sill plate and header of the casing can best be understood by considering the problems involved in installing a metal guide frame in a completed Window installation. More specifically, most conventional window casings incorporate sill and stool assemblies or units such as designated generally at 31a in the drawings. In this respect it is noted that the stool 32a projects upwardly (usually about 1 /2 'inches) from the highest part of the inclined sill plate 33a. Thus, the metal sash guides must be cut short enoughso as to be swung into position within the window framework without encountering interference from the upwardly projecting stool 32a. Stated otherwise, in order to vertically move or swing the metal sash guides within the casing without having to remove the sill and stool assembly, the length of the metal sash guides cannot exceed the shortest distance between the top surface of the stool 32a and header member 340.

'To install the metal sash guide frames in the manner shown in the drawings it is only necessary for a mechanic to first remove the conventional inner wood side stops (as indicated at 35a) and theconventional wood parting strip (not shown). Thereupon the inner and outersashes can be swung outwardly or otherwise :removed from the confines of the .window frame work, whereupon the outer sash guides 11a may be positioned or sprung .over opposite sideedgesiof the outer sash 40a and moved into position within the framework. The inner sash guides 10a may ,then similarly be positioned over the side edges of the inner sash 3 9a and thisassembled unit moved into position -within;the framework with flange .46 of the inner guide strip 10a slidably engaged within channel recess 44 of outer guide strip 11a. With the two sash guide components slidably interlocked together in this fashion, the outer sash guide may then be moved upwardly so that its top edge abuts against the header 34a and in that position nailed to the wooden side jams of the frame, as by nails 52. Similarly, inner sash guide a is moved slidably downwardly so that its bottom edge contacts and abuts sill plate 33a and nailed in this position as by nails 53. Preferably each of the strips is nailed adjacent its outer marginal extremities--i. e., adjacent flanges 13a and 16a, respectivelyso as to permit spring flexing movement of the center portions of the assembled component toward and away from the side jam 60a of the casing.

Although neither of the sash guide strips 10a or 11a extend the full height of the casing, it is pointed out that the outer guide 11a being in abutting contact with top header 34a provides complete Weatherstripping for the outer (upper) sash when the latter has been moved to its maximum upward closed position against the top header. Similarly, the inner sash guide 10a provides complete Weatherstripping for the inner (bottom) sash when the latter has been closed against the sill of the frame.

Although the invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A prefabricated metal window frame component comprising; an inner sash guide and an outer sash guide spaced from one another by an intermediate resilient parting strip assembly, each sash guideway comprising a channel web and an outwardly projecting marginal flange establishing an outer sash guide stop for said sash guideway, said parting strip assembly comprising spaced outwardly projecting first and second sash-engaging loops formed of spring metal, each loop comprising a first outer leg formed integral with an associated channel web of a guideway and a second inner leg connected to said first leg by a connecting web, and means connecting the base of the inner second leg of said first loop with the base of the inner second loop, said spring metal loops being spring yieldable relatively toward and away from one another adapted to resiliently engage sashes disposed in said guideways.

2. A frame component according to claim 1 and wherein each channel web of each guideway is disposed in a plane inclined outwardly toward the parting strip assembly at an acute angle with respect to a reference line connecting the respective bases of said marginal flanges of said guideways.

3. A frame component according to claim 1 and wherein the outer leg of each said loop projects outwardly from its associated channel web at an angle of less than 90.

4. A frame component according to claim 1 and wherein said means connecting the inner legs of said first and second loops at their bases comprises an integral connecting web.

5. A frame component according to claim 1 and wherein said means connecting the inner legs of said first and second loops comprises a first laterally projecting web extension formed integral with the base of the inner leg of said first loop, and a second laterally projecting web extension formed integral with the base of the inner leg of said second loop, and mutually slidably interlocking elements provided on said first and second web extensions for slidably interlocking together said inner and outer sash guides and their respectively associated loops.

6. In combination with a window casing of a type characterized as incorporating a top header, a sill plate, a stool projecting upwardly from said sill plate, side jams, and inner and outer stops secured to each side jam; first and second prefabricated metal frame components each comprising inner and outer channel guide strips and an intermediate metal parting strip assembly, said first and second frame components positioned vertically adjacent opposite side jams of said casing between the inner and outer stops secured to said jams, the inner and outer sash guide strips of each component having a length substantially shorter than the distance between the sill plate and header of said casing, complementary locking elements incorporated in said parting strip assembly of each component mutually slidably interlocking together the inner and outer sash guide strips for relative slidable vertical movement with respect to one another.

7. A combination according to claim 6 and wherein said outer sash guide strip of each component is positioned adjacent an associated jam with its top edge abutting the header of said casing and with its bottom edge spaced from the sill plate of said casing, and wherein said inner sash guide strip of each component is positioned adjacent an associated jam with its bottom edge abutting said sill plate and with its top edge spaced from said header.

8. A combination according to claim 6 and wherein the length of each sash guide strip is slightly less than the shortest distance between the header and the upwardly projecting stool of said casing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,691,868 Dawson Nov. 13, 1928 2,152,488 Kreuscher Mar. 28, 1939 2,236,250 Robinson Mar. 25, 1941 2,266,388 Wolff et a1. Dec. 16, 1941 2,267,021 Glass Dec. 23, 1941 2,303,418 Adams et al Dec. 1, 1942 2,306,193 Stepan Dec. 22, 1942 2,581,503 Walker Jan. 8, 1952 2,662,255 Serley et a1 Dec. 15, 1953 

